INDIANAPOLIS — An iconic Indianapolis audio brand is celebrating eight decades of innovation by opening its headquarters to the public for the first time.
Klipsch, one of the original premium loudspeaker brands and a leading American speaker manufacturer, will celebrate its 80th anniversary with Klipsch Fest, a two-day event Friday and Saturday at its headquarters on the northwest side of Indianapolis.
The celebration also marks the 80th anniversary of fellow audio brand Onkyo.
Matt Sommers, global creative director for Premium Audio Co., parent company of Klipsch and Onkyo, previewed the festivities and demonstrated some of the company’s latest audio technology.
For more than 80 years, Klipsch has been designing premium loudspeakers for customers around the world. For more than 25 years, the company’s headquarters on Indianapolis’ northwest side has served as a hub for product design and engineering.
Klipsch’s product lineup includes headphones, Bluetooth speakers, sound bars, home theater systems, high-fidelity speakers and behind-the-screen cinema systems.
The company is also known for its legendary Klipschorn, the longest continuously produced loudspeaker in history.
During the interview, Sommers highlighted several products, including Klipsch’s Reference Premiere speakers, recognized by their signature black-and-copper design and horn-loaded technology. He also showcased a limited-edition Bluetooth speaker created in partnership with the film “The Odyssey,” along with the company’s new Stratus headphones.
Visitors to Klipsch Fest will have the opportunity to experience the company’s products in a variety of settings, including dedicated listening rooms and demonstrations featuring its automotive and lifestyle partnerships.
Klipsch sound systems are featured in a variety of vehicles and recreational products, including the Infiniti QX80, Ram Tungsten, Airstream trailers and Keystone recreational vehicles. The company has also partnered with La-Z-Boy to incorporate Klipsch audio technology into the headrests of select recliners.
Sommers said the company’s expansion into automotive audio over the past five years represents a natural next step, bringing the listening experience traditionally associated with home theaters and high-end stereo systems onto the road.
The two-day celebration will feature live entertainment, food trucks, product demonstrations and an opportunity to explore the company’s history. Country music artist Clayton Anderson is scheduled to perform Friday in the company’s back parking lot.
One of the event’s highlights will be a museum-style display celebrating eight decades of audio innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to see and hear the first Klipsch loudspeaker, developed by company founder Paul W. Klipsch and patented 80 years ago. The historic speaker will be demonstrated using the original soundtrack played on the system.
For Klipsch, the anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate its legacy but also to share its Indianapolis roots with the community.
After 80 years in the audio business, the company is inviting the public to experience firsthand what has made its name synonymous with premium sound.
As the company’s anniversary slogan suggests, Klipsch has been “annoying neighbors since 1946.” At Klipsch Fest, visitors can expect plenty of opportunities to turn up the volume.
For more information about Klipsch Fest, including event details and activities, visit Klipsch’s official website at klipsch.com.
